Fulham: west London’s riverside retreat
Well-heeled Fulham is nestled in a bend of the river Thames in west London – but it hasn’t always been so desirable. Once notorious for being hotbed of 18th-century debauchery, its murky past is a distant memory following extensive gentrification since the Second World War.
Today you need deep pockets to call this upmarket suburb home – but not as deep as its esteemed neighbour Chelsea. Fulham has all the hallmarks of west London’s plush reputation: leafy surrounds, an exclusive postcode, world-famous restaurants, boutique shops, exclusive social clubs, and a grand Victorian and Edwardian housing stock.
Fulham’s prime location means residents benefit from living in a tranquil suburban setting that’s just around the corner from the energy of central London. Whether you’re commuting to work or in need of some retail therapy, you will be whisked into the heart of the capital from one of the area’s four Underground stations.
Transport
- Tube: Four Underground stations serve the Fulham area: Putney Bridge, Parsons Green, Fulham Broadway and West Brompton – all are on the Wimbledon branch of the District line and are in travel zone 2.
- Overground: There are two Overground stations in the area: West Brompton and Imperial Wharf – both in travel zone 2.
Property scene
Fulham’s desirable red brick housing stock comprises a large supply of spacious Victorian and Edwardian terrace houses, as well as a few Georgian homes. High-end contemporary apartment blocks with spectacular views line the riverbank – notably at Imperial Wharf.
- Average property price in Fulham: £1,022,628 – property price range: £186,000 – £6,500,000
- Average rental price in Fulham: £752 per week – rental price range £275 – £2,600 per week
Schools
- Primary schools:
Langford Primary School is Ofsted-rated “outstanding”
Most other primary schools in the area are rated “good” - Secondary schools: There’s a good selection of Ofsted-rated “outstanding” state comprehensive schools in the area:
Lady Margaret School (girls, ages 11 to 18) https://ladymargaret.lbhf.sch.uk/
London Oratory School (boys, ages seven to 18) https://www.london-oratory.org/
Fulham Cross Girl’s School (girls, ages 11 to 16)
Chelsea Academy (co-ed, ages 11 to 18) https://chelsea-academy.org/ - Private schools: the local preparatory schools are:
L’Ecole des Petits (co-ed, ages three to six) https://lecoledespetits.co.uk/fr/
Thomas’s School (co-ed, ages four to 11) https://www.thomas-s.co.uk/thomass-fulham/
Kensington Prep School (girls, ages four to 11) https://www.kensingtonprep.gdst.net/
Parsons Green Prep School (co-ed, ages four to 11) https://www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk/
The local private all-through school is Fulham School (co-ed, ages four to 16) https://www.fulham.school/
Chelsea Independent College (co-ed, ages 14 plus) is a day and boarding GCSE and A-level college.
Things to do
- Shops: The area’s shopping hub is clustered around Fulham Broadway, where you’ll find chain stores and restaurants aplenty.
- Farmers markets: Local farmers’ markets include the Parsons Green Farmers’ Market, and the Bishops Park Farmers’ and Fine Foods Market each Sunday.
- Open space: Eel Brook Common and Parsons Green are found off New King’s Road. Riverside Bishops Park houses Fulham Palace and offers children’s playgrounds, a skate park, summer waterplay, an urban beach, tennis courts and a bowling green. Hurlingham Park contains tennis courts, rugby pitches, artificial and grass football pitches and netball courts. South Park is best known for its cricket pitches.
- Leisure and the arts: A nine-screen Vue multiplex cinema is found in the Fulham Broadway shopping centre. The Lyric theatre is just up the road in Hammersmith and the Finborough Theatre in Earl’s Court. The local council swimming pool is Fulham Pools in Lillie Road, which also has tennis courts and a gym.
